Summer vacation has come to an end and it is time to start the new school year. I had the opportunity to visit Highland Village Elementary as the Lewisville Education Foundation presented a grant to one of our teachers. I saw how excited the teachers are to begin the school year and provide our kids unique opportunities for learning and success. I know they are committed to their education and we are thankful for the work they do in preparing our children for responsible adult lives.
If you have children heading back to school, you know the range of emotions they are experiencing. Some are eager to start the learning again. Some can’t wait to get back into the schedule and see their friends. Others may be nervous about moving up a grade or starting a new school. As parents, your support and preparedness is of the utmost importance. You’ll want to make sure your kids are well-rested, fed and on time for their school days.
I recently spoke with our school resource officers and they reminded me that back-to-school safety is everyone’s responsibility. We all need to take extra precautions to keep our kids safe. So, as we begin the school year let’s remember to watch our speed in school zones, don’t use cell phones in a school zone, pay attention to the crosswalks and look out for kids and families walking or bicycling to school. Our officers will be out in force keeping watch and targeting enforcement on safety violations. With more and more distractions, it’s important to slow down and pay attention. Do your part and set the example!
As we head into September, we are anxiously waiting the opening of Whole Foods Market in The Shops at Highland Village. The store is scheduled to open on Wednesday, Sept.10, with a “bread-breaking” event at 7:30 a.m. The store team leader, Scott Wilcox, and marketing team leader, Sally Roberts, recently spoke at the Highland Village Business Association luncheon and laid out the specialty services and unique aspects of the store. The Highland Village Whole Foods Market will feature two levels of outdoor eating space, a coffee bar, a kids’ area, salad bars and pre-packaged meals to go plus many more surprise features. You’ll definitely want to come see for yourself!
I know there is a concern over parking at the location and the traffic the store opening will generate. First, in regard to the parking, the Whole Foods Market has over 170 spaces in front of and around the store and The Shops at Highland Village has a total of 1,900 spots. We anticipate drawing shoppers from the surrounding areas and ask that you be patient and show everyone how nice and friendly we are in Highland Village. The Highland Village Police Department has been working with The Shops to develop a safe traffic pattern in and out of the center from FM 2499. Once that plan is finalized, the city will provide that information to everyone so we can all be safe and enjoy our visit to Highland Village’s Whole Foods Market and the surrounding businesses.
We have begun construction on Doubletree Ranch Park. The park will feature soccer fields, a pavilion, a pop fountain and lazy river and a natural habitat viewing area. The construction of this park is funded through our 4B sales tax dollars. So remember, when you shop in Highland Village, you are supporting our trail system and Doubletree Ranch Park. We expect the construction of the park to last about a year. We’ll keep you informed of the progress and anticipated opening date.
Our police department is hosting the 7th Annual Fallen Heroes Bike Race on Oct. 11. The race will benefit the Texas Chiefs of Police Fallen Officer Fund. The event will take place at The Shops at Highland Village. Again this year they are partnering with the Highland Village Business Association’s Restaurant Week to showcase Highland Village restaurants. Restaurant Week will take place from Oct. 4-11 and participating restaurants will give a portion of their sales to the Fallen Officer Fund. I hope you’ll try a new restaurant or visit your favorite eatery and help support our local businesses and the fund.
The Oct. 11 event will include live music, children’s activities, and a chance to meet some of our race sponsors in the vendor area during the race. The goal is to raise $30,000 for families of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This is the fourth year that the race will be held at The Shops at Highland Village — we anticipate a large crowd will come support the race, the Fallen Officers Fund and enjoy the entertainment.
And finally, I want to thank the Lions Club and everyone who came out and enjoyed our 27th Annual Balloon Festival. Moving the festival to Unity Park allowed many of our residents to walk to the festival, brought visitors into the heart of our great city and truly made this a community event. If you came to the event, we thank you and we look forward to holding the event again next year.
I look forward to seeing you around our city.
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